Before your child’s surgery, your doctor will request that you schedule a pre-operative clinic visit. The pre-op clinic visit is an opportunity to meet with members of the healthcare team to help you and your child feel more comfortable. You’ll also fill out forms and your child may undergo a few necessary tests ordered by your doctor. These tests can vary depending on your child’s case but can include:
- Checking vital signs, such as blood pressure
- Blood tests
- Urine tests
- An EKG (electrocardiogram) to check your child’s heart or other imaging test
You’ll also meet with a nurse, maybe a nurse practitioner, medical or surgical resident (a physician receiving extra training in a given specialty), or anesthesiologist. They’ll gather information about your child’s medical history and will share information about how you can prepare for surgery. You and your child will learn what you can expect before, during and after surgery. Our goal is to make you and your child as comfortable as possible. We invite you to come prepared with a list of questions if you’d like.
Also feel free to ask a nurse for a free copy of Operation Day, a colorful and educational book from a child’s perspective that answers questions and offers insights in a way that they will understand.
The Day of Your Child’s Visit
Your child may eat and drink as usual before the pre-operative visit unless your doctor said not to.
Please bring these items with you to your appointment:
- Eyeglasses (to read and fill out forms)
- The names and doses of your child’s current medications. Some parents find it more convenient to just bring the bottles of medication with them. Also bring over-the-counter medications your doctor may have prescribed, including vitamins, herbs, eye drops, inhalers, creams, and cold medications.
- A list of your child’s allergies (to medicines, food, latex, dust, pollen, or other things in the environment)
- Doctors’ names and phone numbers (including your child’s pediatrician or family practitioner)
- Any information on your child’s medical history and previous surgeries
- Imaging and laboratory tests. Discuss with your physician before this visit how these results will be shared with the surgery department; you may be required to bring them to your child’s pre-op visit.
